The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper

alehundrah

I just started reading The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and I have to say some of his tips are pretty good. Some are common sense but some are things I didnt know. Here are some of his rules to being skinny

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
8. Learn to read food labels
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods
The list goes on and on. He has 20 rules that he mentions and explains. The 2nd part of the book offers explanations about what you should eat. Like I said, I only started reading the book so I don't know what it talks about but it's very interesting, and I feel like I can learn a couple of things by reading it. Any of you guys read the book? Did you guys like it?

dgoradia

4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week

4. Why?
6. Why apples and berries specifically?
7. Why?
10. What's wrong with sweeteners?
11. Why?
12. How about twice?

Did Mr. Bob Harper give reasons for each of his rules? Did he back his reasoning, if any, with more than just his opinion?

santd

I would say I follow all of those except the potatoes, they are a good veg, and helped me lose my 196 pounds. To explain all the rest you would have to look up the complex nutrients of each, like the simple apple, and i haven't got enough space to write it all down, but apples are very good eaten at the end of a day for you.. But sweeteners are chemically based made and do interfere with the bodies natural balance. When I first started my weight lose- 2 years ago and started to research foods, I also experimented on myself, its the way I've managed to stick to this diet. Its been fascinating, and frustrating....but if I had anything with sweeteners in it, it (always) made my appetite ferocious, when i stuck to my program my hunger/appetite never returned.

Meat (too much) could give you bowel cancer in the end, humans were not supposed to be meat eaters. Meat once a week is OK, and fish twice. Usually men like meat or quick protein for repairing ripped muscles, sorry body building.

No carbs after lunch, is a program for the body to start using its own fats, to reduce quicker. This has been my experience in weight lose. hope it helps.

alehundrah

I would say I follow all of those except the potatoes, they are a good veg, and helped me lose my 196 pounds. To explain all the rest you would have to look up the complex nutrients of each, like the simple apple, and i haven't got enough space to write it all down, but apples are very good eaten at the end of a day for you.. But sweeteners are chemically based made and do interfere with the bodies natural balance. When I first started my weight lose- 2 years ago and started to research foods, I also experimented on myself, its the way I've managed to stick to this diet. Its been fascinating, and frustrating....but if I had anything with sweeteners in it, it (always) made my appetite ferocious, when i stuck to my program my hunger/appetite never returned.

Meat (too much) could give you bowel cancer in the end, humans were not supposed to be meat eaters. Meat once a week is OK, and fish twice. Usually men like meat or quick protein for repairing ripped muscles, sorry body building.

No carbs after lunch, is a program for the body to start using its own fats, to reduce quicker. This has been my experience in weight lose. hope it helps.

I agree. We need to learn how our bodies work

LJSmith1989

I just started reading The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and I have to say some of his tips are pretty good. Some are common sense but some are things I didnt know. Here are some of his rules to being skinny

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
8. Learn to read food labels
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods
The list goes on and on. He has 20 rules that he mentions and explains. The 2nd part of the book offers explanations about what you should eat. Like I said, I only started reading the book so I don't know what it talks about but it's very interesting, and I feel like I can learn a couple of things by reading it. Any of you guys read the book? Did you guys like it?

Why can't you eat carbs after lunch? Whats wrong with white potatos? Whats wrong with the odd fastfood/takeaway?

I never understand crap like this. You can eat all these things. What an idiot. (the guy who wrote it not the OP)

SteelySunshine

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses

It doesn't matter when you drink your water as long as you get enough water to a. remain hydrated and b. avoid retaining water

2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)

Doesn't matter if you can stay within your calorie allowance.

3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)

Fiber also works to avoid hunger, so does having enough fat in a meal. So does having a bit of protein, something whole grain or a veggie, and some fat. Or having a bowl of a whole grain cereal. Whatever works.

4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")

Especially those that say low fat. Low fat is code for high in sodium and sugar.

5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day

This contradicts rule number 7, so that is going to have to be resolved before I can take either of these rules seriously.

6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)

This also contradicts rule number 7, but it works with rule number 5. The discrepancy with rule 7 still needs to be resolved.

7. No carbs after lunch

This rule doesn't work with rule 5 or rule 6. But, nice try.

8. Learn to read food labels

L-cysteine, good reason to not read food labels.

9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good

Well, duh. Knowing how many calories is in food is essential to trying to cut calories.

10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones

IIFYM, why does it matter if you get 100, 200, or even 300 calories from sugar? And some people need foods that are calorie dense. Foods with sugar in them helps them to reach their calorie goal of oh say 3000 calories for a very fit very active person very heavily muscled, large boned person.

11. No white potatoes

Oh do tell, how that 100 calorie potato is going to keep someone from having a calorie deficit. This should be good.

12. Don't eat meat once a week

I haven't eaten meat for over a year. How am I doing?

13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods

You know Taco Bell has these cantina bowls, I am going to have to stop buy and have a couple for lunch.

LJSmith1989

4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week

4. Why?
6. Why apples and berries specifically?
7. Why?
10. What's wrong with sweeteners?
11. Why?
12. How about twice?

Did Mr. Bob Harper give reasons for each of his rules? Did he back his reasoning, if any, with more than just his opinion?

This

WalkingMermaid_

I love Bob! But don't agree with all his points. White potatoes are a staple of mine and are a very healthy food (when not turned into chips, fries etc) and I am losing weight just fine. Before I joined MFP I had been dieting for about 8 weeks and eating steamed potatoes almost every day. Yum!

Also, no carbs after lunch, I would just be miserable. I eat heaps of complex carbs from fruits and veggies.

I like his other suggestions though

jaxxie

So, what if you don't want to be 'SKINNY' instead you want to be lean, strong and healthy.

What chapter is that in?

Please tell Bob to visit Jillian.

juliegrey1

How about 2 simple rules,avoid foods containing Transfats and Aspartame?

jen_zz

So, what if you don't want to be 'SKINNY' instead you want to be lean, strong and healthy.

What chapter is that in?

Please tell Bob to visit Jillian.

This!

Reading JM's Slim for Life book and she has great workouts that build muscles and have eating tips that are sustainable.

Sqeekyjojo

Since when were humans not designed to eat meat as well as anything else they could find?

Does the potato thing mean red spuds like Desiree are ok?

Not eating carbs after lunch means I'll be at about 300 kcals a day. Because he says I can't eat after that, does that mean its a healthy intake?

If I can't eat carbs, how am I supposed to eat those apple and berry snacks? And if I can't eat carbs, that means no fruit or veg, no grains or pulses for the evening. If I'm not eating a lump of something big and dead, what the frack am I supposed to have to make up the thousand or so kcal deficit?



What a load of hraka.

TheNewAdventuresofDanni

I just started reading The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and I have to say some of his tips are pretty good. Some are common sense but some are things I didnt know. Here are some of his rules to being skinny

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
8. Learn to read food labels
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods
The list goes on and on. He has 20 rules that he mentions and explains. The 2nd part of the book offers explanations about what you should eat. Like I said, I only started reading the book so I don't know what it talks about but it's very interesting, and I feel like I can learn a couple of things by reading it. Any of you guys read the book? Did you guys like it?

Why can't you eat carbs after lunch? Whats wrong with white potatos? Whats wrong with the odd fastfood/takeaway?

I never understand crap like this. You can eat all these things. What an idiot. (the guy who wrote it not the OP)

For a lot of people, the occasional fast food, become more than occasional after time.And then suddenly your eating fast food a couple times a week. For some people it is easier to carry an extra apple or protein bar than give in to temptation in the long run. It depends on the person. Just like not every diet works for everyone. And of course it is his opinion, just like if you ask any doctor or dietitian they will give you different opinions. You can take them or leave them.

Confuzzled4ever

4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")

6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods

I need more explaination.. I eat all of the above.. (well.. not artifical sweetners, but I would if I liked them) and I've lost a bit of weight... I dont' eat apples and berries everyday.. but I do eat fruits and veggies everyday. I eat whatever potatoes i have in my pantry, just not everyday.. I eat meat everyday.. but what about vegans? they seem to do fine without eating any meat.... I like fried foods?? I just dfound healthier subsitutes for them.. but sometimes I just gotta have chicken fried steak.. or fried chicken or real spring rolls.. mmmmm spring rolls.. What's wrong with carbs after lunch? I'd rather have busicuts and gravey for dinner then breakfast!

Oh.. and after you lose weight.. what do you do??? never eat carbs after lunch for the rest of your life?? no birthday cake for you!! (unless it's for breakfast???) And when am I supposed to eat my apple and berries?? Those are carbs right??? Man.. i'd not be able to eat dinner.. no carbs means what.. a big ole hunk of meat and nothing else for dinner?? no thank you..completely unrealistic for most people.

and yes.. it's all individual. I can avoid fast food.. and if i do have it.. i am merely reminded as to why I avoid it as opposed to finding myself craving it again..When I am told "you can't have this" it's the one thing I crave! (i'm allergic to shellfish and i constantly crave it.. I just value my life enough to resist it)

While yes.. having guidelines and whatnot for better eating is often helpful, portraying opinions as truth is not, nor is dealing with absolutes when it comes to food.

People who gain it back.. most often are those who went on a restrictive diet and then couldn't stick to it forever. Better to eat like a real person, who eats at resturants and attends parties and learn to eat what you want, but control it.. then deny yourself these things and then binge on it later.

angie007az

I just started reading The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and I have to say some of his tips are pretty good. Some are common sense but some are things I didnt know. Here are some of his rules to being skinny

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
8. Learn to read food labels
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods
The list goes on and on. He has 20 rules that he mentions and explains. The 2nd part of the book offers explanations about what you should eat. Like I said, I only started reading the book so I don't know what it talks about but it's very interesting, and I feel like I can learn a couple of things by reading it. Any of you guys read the book? Did you guys like it?

I read it and I loved it. I'm not going to get into it with anyone on the rules. Have questions? Read the book. They work for me.

Phoenix_Warrior

I've lost 42 lbs doing the opposite of what this book says.

jonnythan

I just started reading The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and I have to say some of his tips are pretty good. Some are common sense but some are things I didnt know. Here are some of his rules to being skinny

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy)
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat")
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks)
7. No carbs after lunch
8. Learn to read food labels
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones
11. No white potatoes
12. Don't eat meat once a week
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods
The list goes on and on. He has 20 rules that he mentions and explains. The 2nd part of the book offers explanations about what you should eat. Like I said, I only started reading the book so I don't know what it talks about but it's very interesting, and I feel like I can learn a couple of things by reading it. Any of you guys read the book? Did you guys like it?

Any diet that contains 20 "rules" is stupid.

Most of the rules listed here are stupid.

QuietBloom

What a load of bullpeep.

That is all.

Danni3ll3

30 to 50 grams of fiber a day is a recipe for constipation unless you are also drinking gallons of water.
I only agree with numbers 1, 2, 8 and 9. The rest is a recipe for another fad diet.

jonnythan

People should know that this book apparently gives a blanket "1200 calories and only 1200 calories" plan for all women. And it also encourages large amounts of exercise, creating a massive calorie deficit.

Of course you'll lose weight. But it's not good or healthy. And the rules themselves are stupid, especially the ones that prescribe specific foods or prohibit specific foods.

This is simply not a good idea.

xoemmytee

Most of these are nonsense if you count calories. Some of these are nonsense even if you don't count calories! I feel like most of these rules are just ways to reduce your caloric intake targeted toward people who are not counting their calories.

Hirner

Geez that's a whole lotta negativity going on there...as the original poster said, there were explanations for each of these. I'm pretty sure that there is a rationale for each one (and if you want to decide if it's solid, maybe try reading the book before criticizing it....I'm sure the library has a copy).

AND. just because there is a rationale doesn't mean it's the ONLY thing you HAVE to do to loose weight, and if you DON'T do them, then you won't loose weight. It's a list of suggestions that you might find helps your body's particular metabolic needs. I've heard a lot of anecdotal stories about no carbs after lunch, or increasing fiber, etc. Do what works for you. If Bob's list helps you slim down, then hell. Try it. Don't attack something that someone *shared* because they found positive and helpful, and thought it might be helpful others too. Let's all be informed consumers and also supportive of one another.

ndj1979

i avoid anything that has "skinny" and "rules" in it...

and this is a re-bump from a while back ...

CyberEd312

I've lost 42 lbs doing the opposite of what this book says.

and you can add my weight loss to those 42 pounds as well (Congrats on your weight loss by the way). I can't say that I even followed 1 of these rules......

discoveredamber

I havent read it and I dont really follow many of these rules. But I am sure the water one is so that you wont eat as much. Drinking the water right before will fill your stomach. So you ar eless likely to go over indulge. He is the trainer for the biggest loser at least the first 9 seasons I have watched. So it may be set up for that. They need to lose large amounts of weight quickly.

MyChocolateDiet

1. Drink a large glass of water before every meal- no excuses NO! It interferes with digestion and maxing out my meal.
2. Don't drink your calories (as in only drink water, coffee, teas, etc. Avoid sodas, juices)NO! I drink protein shakes and latte's
3. Eat protein at every meal (to avoid getting hungry and grouchy) Yeah, I kinda like this one.
4. Cut your intake of refined flours and grains (pasta, bagels, even those that say "low in fat") ONLY those "low in fat" ones.
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day OR totally overdo it like I did the other day and have an explosive evening. Releive-ning.
6. Eat apples and berries every single day (as snacks) What am I a bear?
7. No carbs after lunch Carbs whenever you damn well please.
8. Learn to read food labels LOLwut? If I can read this I can read a food label
9. Stop guessing about portion size and get it right- for good there goes my crystal ball novelty food scale
10. no added sweeteners including artificial ones except maple syrup, honey, agave, molasses, brown sugar, and sugar
11. No white potatoes reverse racism is still racism
12. Don't eat meat once a week that's right eat it all the days!!!!!
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods Get rid of guys named Harper

usmcmp

I've lost 42 lbs doing the opposite of what this book says.

and you can add my weight loss to those 42 pounds as well (Congrats on your weight loss by the way). I can't say that I even followed 1 of these rules......

Same here. Didn't follow any of those (I like my bowl of sugary cereal right before bed).

angie007az

Geez that's a whole lotta negativity going on there...as the original poster said, there were explanations for each of these. I'm pretty sure that there is a rationale for each one (and if you want to decide if it's solid, maybe try reading the book before criticizing it....I'm sure the library has a copy).

AND. just because there is a rationale doesn't mean it's the ONLY thing you HAVE to do to loose weight, and if you DON'T do them, then you won't loose weight. It's a list of suggestions that you might find helps your body's particular metabolic needs. I've heard a lot of anecdotal stories about no carbs after lunch, or increasing fiber, etc. Do what works for you. If Bob's list helps you slim down, then hell. Try it. Don't attack something that someone *shared* because they found positive and helpful, and thought it might be helpful others too. Let's all be informed consumers and also supportive of one another.

I love your sanity. Thank you for posting.

MyChocolateDiet

Geez that's a whole lotta negativity going on there...as the original poster said, there were explanations for each of these. I'm pretty sure that there is a rationale for each one (and if you want to decide if it's solid, maybe try reading the book before criticizing it....I'm sure the library has a copy).

AND. just because there is a rationale doesn't mean it's the ONLY thing you HAVE to do to loose weight, and if you DON'T do them, then you won't loose weight. It's a list of suggestions that you might find helps your body's particular metabolic needs. I've heard a lot of anecdotal stories about no carbs after lunch, or increasing fiber, etc. Do what works for you. If Bob's list helps you slim down, then hell. Try it. Don't attack something that someone *shared* because they found positive and helpful, and thought it might be helpful others too. Let's all be informed consumers and also supportive of one another.

I love your sanity. Thank you for posting.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

MyChocolateDiet

AllonsYtotheTardis

I've lost 42 lbs doing the opposite of what this book says.

:drinker: Me too.


Oh and "no carbs after lunch?" so... no veggies or fruit after lunch? lol... NO